​So what's the difference between hoarding and just plain clutter?

We're asked this question quite often—either by clients needing help with clutter clearing but who hesitate to admit that they are in fact hoarders, preferring to call themselves "messies," "disorganized," or even "collectors"—or by those seeking help for their friends or relatives.

"Collector," not necessarily a "Hoarder"

Definite Hoarder, Level 3-4

So what's the difference? For any situation requiring the clearing of clutter, we use the NSGCD Hoarding Scale as our guide. Simply put, it's a matter of degree and livability. The Hoarding Scale uses five levels of livability, 1 being functional and 5 being the highest degree of dysfunction. Below are very brief descriptions of the levels:

Level 1 is a normal environment, with entrance and exits accessible, a normal number of pets with no evidence of rodents or other pests, no discernible odors, rooms usable, sanitary conditions.

Level 2 is a bit more cluttered, pet and other odors slightly evident, some congestion, environment is a bit unsanitary.

Level 3 begins to be worrisome: possibly some failure of utilities (HVAC, plumbing, etc.), possible pest infestation, too many pets to be easily controlled, one or more rooms not being usable as intended, unsanitary conditions, obvious odors, garbage accumulating.

Level 4 may have some structural damage due to water or waste; possibly way too many animals; dangerous levels of odors indicating mold, animal waste, and/or rotting food; obvious pest infestation; inhabitants sleeping on floors, bare mattresses, or other furniture because bedrooms are unusable.

Clearing clutter at a project site

Hoarding makes this kitchen unusable

Level 5 indicates rooms unusable with entrances and exits blocked; pathways through deep levels of accumulated clutter including garbage, possibly dead animals (pets and rodents), and accumulation of animal waste; toilets, sinks, tubs unusable and possibly filled with human waste; dangerous levels of airborne contaminants; pervasive mold and mildew; and other conditions making it hazardous for inhabitants to even be in the premises.

Most people with some form of chronic disorganization but not necessarily hoarding disorder would fall into Level 2, possibly moving into Level 3. Full Levels 3 through 5 do enter the realm of hoarding if the conditions are directly caused by the hoard, which is usually the case when we're called in to clear the clutter.

Fortunately for the true "messies"—disorganized but not hoarders—the prognosis is quite good if they work with an expert trained to help with the various forms of chronic disorganization, such as ADHD, OCD, traumatic brain injury, etc.

For true hoarders, studies and research have found the two most effective methods in helping people with hoarding challenges, after the clutter has been cleared, have been NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) and cognitive therapy.